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Indian Spice May Ward Off Disease

Turmeric, an Antioxidant,
Is Studied for Use in Fight
Against Cancer, Alzheimer's

By

Christina S.N. LewisStaff Reporters of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

Updated Aug. 30, 2005 12:01 a.m. ET

New evidence suggests a common Indian spice is a potent antioxidant that can prevent many diseases. The spice, turmeric, a key ingredient of curry, has been used medicinally for hundreds of years. But scientists are starting to systematically explore the sweeping qualities of the bright-yellow powder.

An increasing body of scholarly research indicates that curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, could be used to prevent a range of illnesses, from cancer to skin disorders. Faced with a number of promising laboratory studies...